Brake problem with Cub Cadet 147 (circa 1970)

Wed Oct 24, 2012 9:01 am

I am trying to get an old Cub Cadet running, It is a 147 Hydro from about 1970. The brake pedal works smoothly in neutral. If the lever is moved to forward or reverse the brake pedal must be forced down (kicked down) with my foot. Once the brake pedal breaks free, the brakes work. Any repair suggestions?

Re: Brake problem with Cub Cadet 147 (circa 1970)

Wed Oct 24, 2012 12:45 pm

Actually, it's working perfectly. On an older Cub Cadet hydro (such as yours), the brake ONLY works when the hydro lever is in the neutral position. If the lever is in forward or reverse, the brake pedal actually forces the lever back to neutral, before actuating the brakes. Sounds like yours is working fine.

Ironically, there is absolutely no use for a brake pedal on a Cub Cadet hydrostatic drive tractor. The tractor is locked in gear at all times, neutral is a braked position, meaning the machine cannot roll when the engine is on and the lever is moved to the neutral position. Actually, even when the engine is off, you have to old the hydro release lever to even roll the machine around. Brakes are worthless on hydro tractors.

If you do use the brake pedal, in an emergency, to preven running over something, you will not hurt anything, and the tractor will stop, but it's not because of the brakes, it's because the brake forced the hydro lever to the neutral position.

If you use the brake pedal all the time, to force the hydro lever to the neutral position, you'll end up wearing stuff out prematurely, and just having to replace parts that were unnecessarily worn out.

Re: Brake problem with Cub Cadet 147 (circa 1970)

Wed Oct 24, 2012 6:40 pm

Perhaps I wasn't clear. I have to use extreme force to depress the brake pedal the first 1/2 inch. I used to do it when I was a 10 or 12 and now a 12 year old would never be able to depress the pedal. It seems to hang up on something.

Re: Brake problem with Cub Cadet 147 (circa 1970)

Wed Oct 24, 2012 6:50 pm

Sounds like it is time to do some linkage adjustment and or repair. The procedure is outlined in the service manual and should be followed. You can get a service manual for the model from www.binderbooks.com or you may be able to download one on line from www cubcadetcollectors.com